Whales and Dolphins + Vila Franca Islet (full day with lunch)
@Theguidedtravels
📌 To book: https://viator.tp.st/epDYsjcK
Skip the busier stretches of the São Miguel coastline, and head out by boat to discover the marine life and exclusive swimming spots of the island’s south coast. With an in-the-know local guide, you’ll improve your chances of finding the region’s famous whales and dolphins. Swimming and a traditional Azores lunch follow the boat ride at the islet of Vila Franca do Campo. Ride in a boat for unobstructed views of the São Miguel marine life Enjoy a typical regional lunch at the tiny isle of Vila Franca do Campo, and provided snorkel equipment to explore beneath the waves.
Details
Quad Biking - Sete Cidades from North Coast (Half Day)
@Theguidedtravels
📌 To book: https://viator.tp.st/NfytT9jl
You'll be the driver of a quad/ ATV which is the best way to feel and experience this part of São Miguel Island! This tour will take you to the highest points of the mountains that surround Sete Cidades Volcano. The itinerary is On and Offroad and you will have the opportunity to visit some of the trails that are part of the Azores Airlines Rallye. If the weather is good, you can count on awesome views to the lakes and the ocean. This will make you feel as you are on the top of the world! The team will ensure your safety and provide brief explanations at each stop.
Itinerary:
* Fenais da Luz ( North cost)
* Pico da Cruz (845 meters altitude) View to Lagoa de Santiago, lagoa Rasa and Sete Cidades lagoon.
* Vista da Rainha/Miradouro das Cumeeiras ( View point for Sete Cidades, Green and Blue Lagoon)
* Cerrado das Freiras
* Passing by Capelas village
* Fenais da Luz
Details
Gorreana Tea Factory
@Theguidedtravels
FREE or paid tour.
📌 To book: https://viator.tp.st/nSYh5ldy
Visit to the Gorreana Tea Factory! Roam the field for free and get amazing shots, or take a tour of the factory and land. This is the only tea factory of its kind in Europe, where you will learn more about the island's tea culture through the different processes involved in its production and where, at the end of the visit, you will have the opportunity to taste a cup of tea accompanied by traditional biscuits!
Details
Coasteering in Caloura
@Theguidedtravels
📌 To book: https://viator.tp.st/pnOVnmYj
Explore the beautiful coastline of the island of São Miguel and some of its various bays and caves, using various methods (among which: exciting jumps from remarkable cliffs, some moments of controlled climbing, dives, and a refreshing swim directly in the ocean).
If you are uncomfortable about jumping, know that there are alternatives.
Details
Cheese & Wine Tasting in Ponta Delgada
@Theguidedtravels
📌 To book: https://viator.tp.st/Z7IceDBX
he Azores is home to some magnificent produce and wines, and this experience in Ponta Delgada will showcase some of the best. Your culinary guides will share some delicious pairings of wine and cheeses. It’s good they are there to help, since there are 40 types of award winning cheeses in the region, and centuries of wine making experience. You’ll also try homemade jam, artisan bread, and local fruit along the way.
Details
Plantação de Ananás dos Açores
@Theguidedtravels
FREE activity
Discover the unique way Azoreans grow pineapples in greenhouses and savor the sweet fruit. It is free to walk around the plantation! Head to their cafe for free samples of pineapple alcohol + treat. You'll have the option to buy other pineapple snacks and souvenirs if interested! Walking distance from the town center
Details
Mercado da Graça
@Theguidedtravels
FREE activity
Dive into local flavors and crafts at this bustling market in Ponta Delgada.
Details
Night thermal pools & food experience
@Theguidedtravels
📌 To book: https://viator.tp.st/3PYZt2Js
Soak in the thermal pools of Furnas when the sun’s gone down, during an evening excursion from Ponta Delgada. You’ll travel with a local guide, and enjoy a traditional dinner of a Portuguese stew that’s cooked in the volcanic ground before immersing yourself into the mineral-rich waters. Extra perks include a stroll to see the Caldeiras das Furnas, the island’s famous bubbling pools.
Details
Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Canyoning Experience
@Theguidedtravels
📌 To book: https://getyourguide.tp.st/oD6RK3i2
Discover the diverse green vegetation, clear and fresh waterfalls and old water mills on this adventurous canyoning tour through the forest! This tour includes pick up.
Details
Marina Portas do Mar
@Theguidedtravels
📌 To book: https://getyourguide.tp.st/89qnXEzk
Experience the feeling of sailing at the end of the afternoon on a private sailboat cruise! Enjoy a more intimate romantic tour or in a family group, local wine, and appreciating the beauty of the Island. You will pass through points such as the Ilhéu de São Roque, Praia das Milicias and head south to enjoy the beauty of the sunset. On the way back you will have the experience and beauty of the sunset.
Boarding and disembarking on the pontoon at Portas do Mar marina
Details
Louvre Michaelense Bar Bistro Mercearia
@Theguidedtravels
Located in Ponta Delgada, this is a charming café with pastries and coffee selections.
Menu: https://www.facebook.com/louvremichaelense/menu/?id=100063865110443&sk=menu
Details
TukáTulá Beach Bar
@Theguidedtravels
Known for its refreshing drinks, chill vibes, and stunning ocean views. Make sure to have dinner here while the sun sets!
Details
Sao Miguel Island in Azores, Portugal is filled with vibrant lakes, volcanos, lush trails, hot springs, hydrangeas, and black sand beaches. Get insights into hidden coves untouched by time, trails that lead to the heart of the island, and gastronomic secrets that dance on the palate. Packed with insider tips, breathtaking imagery, and curated itineraries, this guide is your passport to an island less traveled✨
I share everything you need to know in organized lists, and how to split up your days on the island. You can expect:
🗺 Interactive google map with everything pinned (75 pins)
❓ FAQ and other tips (such as transportation and how to split your days/activities up on the island)
🥾 Hiking trails + waterfalls (AllTrails links included)
🔍 Viewpoints for simple yet insane sights (TripAdvisor links included)
🍲 Restaurants (menu linked when available)
🏝 Beaches
💧 Hot springs & Thermal baths
🛶 Tours with links (free options also listed)
🏨 Recommended accommodations (Includes budget, mid-range, and luxury options for the following regions: Ponta Delgada, Furnas, Ribeira Grande, and Sete Cidades)
📱 Useful apps & websites
📍 BONUS: 1 week recommended itinerary + 4 day recommended itinerary
____________________________________________
**I do make a small kickback at no cost to you on some of the tours and accommodations listed on this guide**
Make sure to save this guide + tag me in your adventures @theguidedtravels. I know you’ll love the island as much as I did, and I would love to see where you decide to go(:
Itinerary
Day I: Arrival
-Arrive in Ponta Delgada airport in the morning + pick up your rental!
-Check into your Airbnb
-Explore the city of Ponta Delgada.
-Lunch at A Tasca, where you can dine inside a volcanic cave.
-Spend the evening exploring the small town and getting settled.
Day 2: Furnas
-Grab a quick breakfast sandwich and coffee from Prince of Cheese
-Gorreana Tea Plantation. If you have any interest in tea, definitely take the tour and walk the grounds!
-Miradouro Pico do Ferro Viewpoint
-Head to Restaurante Tony's to try Cozido das Furnas
-Lagoa das Furnas
-End the day at Poça da Dona Beija
Day 3: Sete Cidade
-Breakfast at Intz48 Coffee Roasters
-Miradouro do Pico do Carvão
-Easy/moderate hike to see Lagoa do Canario & Miradouro Grota do Inferno!
-Head to Green Love for lunch, and check out Lagoa das Sete Cidades while in the area!
-Praia dos Mosteiros. There are a few nearby "restaurants" walking distance from the beach where you can get a pizza or other meal to-go. Bring it to the beach to eat while the sun sets!
Day 4: Lagoa Do Fogo
-Join the Whale/Dolphin tour + Vila Franca Islet!
-Praia Santa Barbara for the evening. Watch surfers catch some waves and a vivid sunset. There is a restaurant here as well- TukáTula Beach Bar
Day 5: Ponta Delgada
-Enjoy a relaxing day on the Small-Group Food Tour
-Final moments on the beach of Praia do Fogo
-Dinner at Cais 20
Day 6: Nordeste
-Join the Ribeira dos Caldeiroes Canyoning Experience
- Miradouro Ponta do Sossego
Chapel
-Miradouro Ponta Madrugada
-Spend the night in Ponta Delgada. Enjoy dinner at Taberna Acor.
Day 7: Departure
-Relaxing morning in Ponta Delgada! Grab a coffee from Louvre Michaelense.
-Visit Ananas Dos Acores for free to tour the plantation + sample their pineapple treats.
-Time to catch a flight to your next destination
-Say Goodbye! 🤎
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